Pet Parent's Guide to Dog Boarding Vaccination Requirements

Will your pup be staying in a dog boarding facility while you are away from home? If so it's important to understand what shots your dog needs to be boarded. Our Bartlett vets are here to explain.

What shots do dogs need to be boarded?

If you are looking to board your dog while you take a vacation, you need to do a little bit of planning to ensure that all requirements are met. The vaccines required for boarding dogs at most reputable boarding facilities typically include the following:

• Bordetella (kennel cough)
• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)

Each dog boarding facility is a little different when it comes to vaccination requirements so it's important that once you've selected the right facility for your pet, you speak to the staff about their specific requirements.

How long after vaccination can my dog be boarded?

The Bordetella vaccine for dogs is effective for 6 months, and rabies and DHPP are both good for 1-3 years depending on the type given, which means that if you keep your dog's shots up-to-date, you can avoid any last-minute panicking to get your dog the required vaccines.

If you've missed a booster shot along the way, be sure to make a vaccination appointment with your veterinarian at least 2 weeks before your pup needs to be boarded. It takes a while for pets to build up immunity after receiving their shots.

What happens if I don't get my dog vaccinated before boarding?

Most boarding facilities require proof of up-to-date vaccinations before they allow you to leave your dog. If you cannot provide that information, sometimes veterinary facilities who offer boarding can give your dog their shots on the day of drop off but this is not ideal.

Vaccinations take time to work their magic and become effective so your dog will not be fully protected from the contagious diseases that can run rampant when dogs are in close proximity.

Unvaccinated dogs are typically turned away from boarding facilities, but if they are allowed to stay, you run the risk of exposing your dog to many contagious and often deadly diseases that require expensive veterinary intervention to cure.

Other Ways To Prepare For Dog Boarding

The following are helpful tips from our Bartlett vets regarding what you can do to make your experience boarding your dog as easy as possible.

Understand the boarding facility's rules and policies.

Before boarding your dog at a new facility, speak to staff about their rules, regulations, and what they offer. For example, what type of food do they feed the dogs, what items can you bring from home (toys, blankets, etc.), what are their emergency procedures, or if they can administer your dog's medicine? 

Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.

Check out the facility well ahead of time.

Kennels that house a lot of pets can get messy quickly. While a boarding facility can't be kept fully sterile, a high-quality boarding facility will still look and smell clean. So, before booking your dog's stay visit the kennel and make sure it's kept organized and clean.

Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog. 

Dogs are experts at reading the emotions of their pet parents. Your pooch will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax once you leave. To make the separation easier keep things simple, short, and positive.

Your dog may exhibit different behaviors when they first come home.

It's important to understand that during the first few days after your dog comes home from the kennel, they may behave a little differently. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your dog's excitement for coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.

Trust your gut when looking for the best place to board your dog.

We believe that trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a kennel for your dog. If you don't feel comfortable with a place, look for another. If they have a policy you don't like, look around at different kennels until you find one that you can trust completely. 

Want to learn more about boarding shots for dogs, or book a vaccine appointment with our Bartlett vets for your pup? Contact Hillcrest Animal Hospital today.